Georgia has long been a destination for golfers, from the world-famous Augusta National to the rolling fairways of the north Georgia mountains and the coastal courses of the Golden Isles. But 2026 has brought an extraordinary wave of change to the state's golf scene. New ownership groups, multimillion-dollar renovations, and creative new course concepts are redefining what Georgia golf looks like.
As a longtime resident of Apalachee Farms and a luxury agent selling in Northeast Metro Atlanta's premier golf communities, I track these developments closely. Whether you are a homeowner near a golf course, a buyer looking for golf-integrated living, or simply a golfer planning your next round, here is what you need to know.
Achasta: A Jack Nicklaus Signature Course Changes Hands
In August 2026, Texas-based Legacy Golf Properties acquired the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at Achasta in Dahlonega, Georgia. This marked Legacy Golf Properties' fourth acquisition, their second in nine months, and their first expansion outside Texas.
The new ownership has announced plans to upgrade the clubhouse and enhance the overall member experience, with improved food and beverage offerings for members and guests. Located in the north Georgia mountains, Achasta has long been a destination for those who value championship golf surrounded by stunning scenery.
Hawks Ridge: First Ownership Change in 25+ Years
In May 2026, Escalante Golf, a Fort Worth-based luxury golf property operator, acquired Hawks Ridge Golf Club in Ball Ground, Georgia. This was the first ownership change in the club's 25-plus year history since it opened in 1999.
As part of the transition, renowned golf course architect Tripp Davis has been retained to develop a renovation masterplan for the property. The 550-acre club, designed by the late Bob Cupp, is regularly ranked among Golfweek's Top 200 Modern Courses. In June 2026, Hawks Ridge hosted final qualifying for the 126th U.S. Open Championship, its ninth time serving as a U.S. Open qualifying site. Chris Kirk was medalist at 15 under par, with Jake Peacock, Keith Mitchell, Robbie Higgins, and amateur Chase Kyes earning the five qualifying spots.
For buyers considering golf community living near Apalachee Farms, the Escalante acquisition signals a strong vote of confidence in the north Georgia golf market.
Chattahoochee Golf Club: A Major Renovation in Gainesville
The Chattahoochee Golf Club in Gainesville, Georgia, closed to golf play on March 30, 2026 and will remain closed through September 2026 for a comprehensive renovation. The city-owned course is undergoing a full transformation that includes replacing nearly 30-year-old irrigation systems, renovating and reshaping bunkers, improving fairways, and reconstructing tees.
The City of Gainesville chose to implement all upgrades during a single five-month period rather than a phased approach that would have caused years of construction disruptions. The driving range, teaching facility, clubhouse, pro shop, and Chattahoochee Grill remain open during the renovation.
This investment in a municipal course is a strong sign of the growing demand for quality golf in Northeast Georgia. For Apalachee Farms residents, Chattahoochee Golf Club is roughly a 15-minute drive, making it one of the more accessible public courses in the area.
Lanier Islands: Georgia's First Night-Lit Par 3 Course
Lanier Islands Resort in Buford, Georgia, just minutes from Apalachee Farms, opened "The Six" in April 2026. This six-hole, lighted par-3 course is Georgia's only night-lit par 3. Holes range from 56 to 91 yards and feature artificial-turf tees and greens, beverage carts, music, and a live camera feed.
The resort also completed a nearly $4 million golf expansion, including the new Mike Williams Golf Center. The renovated clubhouse opened in June 2026 and serves as the hub for all golf activities. The existing 18-hole Legacy Golf Course, designed by Bill Fuller and opened in 2009, continues to operate alongside these new additions.
This is a multi-phase investment to modernize the resort's golf program, and it makes Lanier Islands a compelling option for Apalachee Farms golfers looking for a quick evening round.
The Patch: Augusta's Historic Municipal Course Reborn
Augusta Municipal Golf Course, affectionately known as "The Patch," underwent a $25 million renovation led by Augusta National Golf Club. The course closed in December 2024 for construction and reopened on April 15, 2026, right after the Masters Tournament.
The project includes a redesigned 18-hole, par-72 course measuring 6,237 yards, designed by Tom Fazio with assistance from Beau Welling. A new 9-hole par-3 short course called "The Loop" was designed by Tiger Woods. The renovation is a joint initiative between Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta Technical College, The First Tee of Augusta, and Masters Tournament Charities, with affordable rates maintained for local residents.
The transformation of The Patch is one of the most inspiring stories in Georgia golf. It shows how public-private partnerships can elevate a community asset while keeping it accessible to everyone.
Jones Creek: Eight Years Later, A Course Reborn
Jones Creek Golf Course in Evans, Georgia, originally designed by Rees Jones and later enhanced by Tom Fazio, closed in September 2018 due to stormwater runoff flooding. Bond Golf Global, led by Andrew Brooks, reached an agreement to renovate and reopen the course.
The renovation focused on elevating playability while honoring the original design. Key upgrades included new Bermuda grass fairways and greens, improved sand traps, new turf grass for better speed and performance, additional tee boxes on holes 4, 12, and 13, and irrigation system repairs. The Practice Club at Jones Creek opened in spring 2023, and the full course officially reopened on March 23, 2026, just in time for Masters Week, marking the end of nearly eight years of closure.
The Jones Creek story is a testament to perseverance and a reminder that even the most challenging closures can lead to something better.
King and Prince: Going Private with a $7 Million Makeover
The King and Prince Golf Club on St. Simons Island is undergoing a $7 million renovation led by architect Beau Welling as it transitions to a fully private club in 2026. The project includes a complete transformation of the 18-hole course and practice facilities, with construction by MacCurrach Golf.
The club launched a new membership program in May 2026, and the redesigned course is on schedule for an anticipated November 2026 opening. This transition from resort course to private club reflects a broader trend in Georgia golf: premium properties are investing heavily to create exclusive, high-end experiences for members.
For luxury home buyers who also value access to private golf, this transformation adds another compelling option to the Georgia coast's portfolio.
Troon Acquires Bobby Jones Links: A Game-Changer for Atlanta Management
On August 3, 2026, Troon acquired Bobby Jones Links, an Atlanta-based golf club management company founded in 2000 that manages 34 properties across 13 states. Under the acquisition, Bobby Jones Links continues to operate under its own brand, with co-founders Whitney Crouse (CEO) and Steve Willy (COO) remaining in their roles.
The company maintains its Club Support Center in Alpharetta, Georgia. Prior to the acquisition, Bobby Jones Links had been named the NGCOA's 2025 Jemsek National Course of the Year and took over management of Saddle Creek Golf Club. The Troon acquisition positions the combined entity as one of the largest golf management platforms in the country, with particular strength in the Southeast.
What This Means for Golf Community Homeowners and Buyers
The story these eight developments tell is clear: Georgia golf is thriving. New ownership groups are investing capital, renovating facilities, and elevating the player experience. For homeowners in golf course communities like Apalachee Farms, this is good news. Stronger courses nearby enhance property values, attract more buyers to the area, and improve the overall lifestyle appeal of golf-integrated living.
For buyers considering a move to a golf community, the timing is favorable. The investments being made today will pay off in improved course conditions, better amenities, and stronger long-term demand. Whether you are looking at Apalachee Farms, Hamilton Mill, or any of the other fine golf communities in Northeast Metro Atlanta, the broader Georgia golf market is sending a clear signal: this is a state that values its courses and the communities built around them.
I have been selling homes in Apalachee Farms for nearly 20 years and have lived in the neighborhood for a decade. I know how much the quality of nearby golf matters to homeowners here, and I am excited about the direction Georgia golf is heading.
Ready to Buy or Sell in Apalachee Farms?
Lisa Harris has 19 years of experience selling homes in Apalachee Farms and 10 years as a resident of the community. She knows every section, every fairway, and every home value in this premier golf course neighborhood.